Searchfortplus.com (Removal Instructions) - Free Guide

Searchfortplus.com Removal Guide

What is Searchfortplus.com?

Searchfortplus.com is a dubious application that tracks your online behavior

Searchfortplus.com virus

Searchfortplus.com is a browser hijacker that typically enters users machines with bundling, although users can also add Searchfort Plus extension through the website or Google web store. Soon after infiltration, the hijacker modifies browser settings and Windows registry to be able to start its activities.

SUMMARY
Name Searchfortplus.com
Type Browser hijacker
Official website hxxp://www.searchfortplus.com/
Browsers affected Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.
Distribution Software bundling, web store, official website
Symtoms Changed browser settings; increased amount of ads, redirects, pop-ups, etc.
Elimination Download and install FortectIntego. Otherwise check the guide for manual deletion

Developed by Aztec Media (which is also responsible for such browser hijackers as moviesearchcenter.com, 4newtab.com, blpsearch.com and many others), the questionable application is designed having one thought in mind – to generate revenue while exposing users to sponsored content.

To achieve that, Searchfortplus.com floods Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, etc. with advertisements and displays them whether users want it or not. The only way to eliminate these ads is to remove Searchfortplus.com entirely. You can either download a reputable security tool like FortectIntego or delete the virus manually.

Soon after Searchfort Plus hijack, the significant changes are made to each of the browsers:

  • The startup page, new tab, and search engine are set to hxxp://www.searchfortplus.com. These changes allow the suspicious app to prevent users from navigating to certain websites (such as preferred homepage or anti-virus sites);
  • Users might be rerouted to unknown domains. Third-party content might be legitimate and sometimes even useful. However, victims can also get redirected to websites of questionable content, such as pornographic, gambling, fake software, etc. Therefore, malware infections and personal data leakage are possible due to PUP’s redirecting tendencies;
  • Ads are delivered to users non-stop. These advertisements might conceal the background of legitimate websites. Also, some random words might be turned into hyperlinks;
  • Search results are altered to expose users to affiliated sites. This way, Aztec Media receives revenue for each click, even if it is accidental. This scheme is called “pay-per-click.”
  • Users can observe additional components added without their consent, such as toolbars, extensions, new bookmarks, etc.

Additionally, just like many other browser hijackers out there, Searchfortplus.com virus gathers a significant amount of non-personally identifiable information (including IP address, browser type, ISP, cookie information,[1] search queries and similar). This data is gathered to monitor users’ behavior online to deliver targeted sponsored ads.

Although Aztec Media does not sell or share any personal information,[2] it is worth mentioning the following from Privacy Policy:

In the event that Aztec Media goes through a business transition, such as a merger, acquisition by another company, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, Personal Information will likely be among the assets transferred in the transaction.

Thus, by accepting the terms and conditions, you agree that the developer can transfer your personal data, in case the position of the company changes. Personal details might end in cybercriminals’ possession and used for illegal purposes, such as identity theft.

You should not delay Searchfortplus.com removal. Do not forget, that the longer you wait, the more likely you are to lose your personal data or obtain malware. Not to mention the annoyance non-stop ads can bring.

Searchfort Plus browser hijackerSearchfortplus.com is a browser hijacker that makes unwanted changes to each of the browsers

The way PUPs are distributed

Security experts[2] concluded that users are unaware how browser hijackers enter their machines. Some people why aren’t that experienced with the computer and the internet don’t even notice its presence. It is possible due to free software developers and PUP authors other use a marketing technique called bundling. This allows developers to add additional components into their installers.

These additional applications are optional. However, users fail to pick “Advanced/Custom” mode and remove all the tick marks that allow installation of add-ons, toolbars,[3] search engines, system optimizers and similar.

Despite free software developers’ recommendations, never pick “Recommended/Quick” settings. It might save time but might also install adware or other PUPs into your machine. Sometimes, these might lead to more severe threats. Thus, saving few minutes is not worth it.

Eliminate Searchfort Plus in just a few minutes

You can remove Searchfortplus.com virus in two ways – manual or automatic. Both methods are effective; however, the latter one is quicker.

Manual Searchfortplus.com removal is only recommended to computer-savvy individuals as tampering with system files without enough experience might lead to computer damage. Thus, if you are knowledgeable enough, check our step-by-step guide below.

For most people, we recommend automatic option. The security software can get rid of Searchfort Plus and all its components by a few clicks. Download one of the reputable anti-virus programs, bring it up to date and perform a full system scan.

You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Searchfortplus.com. Follow these steps

Uninstall from Windows

To eliminate Searchfort Plus from Windows OS, follow these steps:

Instructions for Windows 10/8  machines:

  1. Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
  2. Under Programs, select Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 1
  3. From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
  4. Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
  5. If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
  6. Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK. Uninstall from Windows 2

If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:

  1. Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
  2. In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall from Windows 7/XP
  3. Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
  4. At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
  5. In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
  6. Click OK once the removal process is finished.

Delete from macOS

Remove items from Applications folder:

  1. From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
  2. In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
  3. Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash) Uninstall from Mac 1

To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:

  1. Select Go > Go to Folder.
  2. Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
  3. In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
  4. Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files. Uninstall from Mac 2

Remove from Microsoft Edge

Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:

  1. Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
  2. From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
  3. Click on Uninstall at the bottom. Remove extensions from Edge

Clear cookies and other browser data:

  1. Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
  2. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  3. Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear. Clear Edge browsing data

Restore new tab and homepage settings:

  1. Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
  2. Then find On startup section.
  3. Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.

Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:

  1. Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
  3. Select Details tab.
  4. Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running. Reset MS Edge

If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.

  1. Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
  2. Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
  3. Right-click on them and pick Delete Advanced MS Edge reset 1
  4. Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  5. When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:

    Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose Advanced MS Edge reset 2

Instructions for Chromium-based Edge

Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):

  1. Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
  2. Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chromium Edge

Clear cache and site data:

  1. Click on Menu and go to Settings.
  2. Select Privacy, search and services.
  3. Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
  4. Under Time range, pick All time.
  5. Select Clear now. Clear browser data from Chroum Edge

Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. On the left side, pick Reset settings.
  3. Select Restore settings to their default values.
  4. Confirm with Reset. Reset Chromium Edge

Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)

Remove dangerous extensions:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
  2. Select Add-ons.
  3. In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove. Remove extensions from Firefox

Reset the homepage:

  1. Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.

Clear cookies and site data:

  1. Click Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security section.
  3. Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
  4. Click on Clear Data…
  5. Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear. Clear cookies and site data from Firefox

Reset Mozilla Firefox

If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
  2. Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information. Reset Firefox 1
  3. Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
  4. Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox. Reset Firefox 2

Remove from Google Chrome

Reset your Google Chrome settings after elimination:

Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
  2. In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove. Remove extensions from Chrome

Clear cache and web data from Chrome:

  1. Click on Menu and pick Settings.
  2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
  3. Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data. Clear cache and web data from Chrome

Change your homepage:

  1. Click menu and choose Settings.
  2. Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
  3. Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.

Reset Google Chrome:

If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:

  1. Click on Menu and select Settings.
  2. In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
  3. Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
  4. Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
  5. Confirm with Reset settings. Reset Chrome 2

Delete from Safari

Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. In the new window, pick Extensions.
  3. Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall. Remove extensions from Safari

Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:

  1. Click Safari > Clear History…
  2. From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
  3. Confirm with Clear History. Clear cookies and website data from Safari

Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:

  1. Click Safari > Preferences…
  2. Go to Advanced tab.
  3. Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  4. From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches. Reset Safari

After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Searchfortplus.com registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.

How to prevent from getting stealing programs

Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool

Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.

 

Lost your files? Use data recovery software

While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.

To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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